Colleges Still Don't Allow Medical Marijuana on Campus

Even in states where weed is legal.

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Colleges still aren't allowing marijuana on campus, even in states where it has been decriminalized or allowed for medical use, reports The Boston Globe.

Because marijuana is still classified federally as illegal, colleges are worried that making any kind of allowance puts their federal funding at risk. That means students aren't free to use marijuana recreationally, or more worryingly, if they've been prescribed it, despite what local laws may say. Even with a doctor's written permission, students face punishments as severe as expulsion.

"We would like to see schools recognize, as many states and millions and millions of individuals and doctors have done, that marijuana is in fact valid medicine for the patients that are using it, and treating it differently than other medications is harmful to students and faculty who have chosen to use medical marijuana," Betty Aldworth, director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, told the Globe.

Some colleges will refer students to doctors to try and find an alternative, less controversial treatment for their medical condition. But, as of now, schools aren't distinguishing between medical and recreational marijuana use; even taking THC pills is against policy. Students are hoping colleges will begin to change their policies to support those who need it.